Destination Laughlin. If you are giving thought to a fun filled, memory making weekend or vacation look no further than Laughlin, Nevada.
Laughlin is much more than a miniature Las Vegas on the banks of the picturesque Colorado River. It is a destination and your base camp for a diverse array of memory making adventures that ensure no two days will be the same no matter how long you stay. Laughlin offers the visitor world class entertainment and dining, natural wonders, classic road trips on Route 66, and a healthy dose of history intertwined with unexpected surprises.
After sipping that first cup of coffee and soaking in the rosy glow of a sunrise over the river, hop in your car and point your wheels east toward Kingman, Arizona. This is a short, scenic road trip of less than one hour that carries you from the river’s edge into the heart of Route 66 country.
A Walk Through Time — Kingman Tours: A Walkabout With Jim Hinckley
The sense of history is palpable in the historic heart of Kingman that was established in the early 1880s. Here you’ll find tangible links to Arizona and Hollywood history, Route 66 landmarks, and a diverse array of public art. You will also find excellent barbecue and gourmet ice cream, and fascinating museums.
In this town that is proclaimed to be the historic heart of Route 66, history and public art is something you hear, feel, and interact with thanks to the Kingman Tours experience developed by Talisman magic Marketing for Kingman Main Street. This innovative, self-guided, audio-narrated walking tour uses QR code technology.
Narrator for this immersive journey that brings history to life is author, humorist and historian Jim Hinckley, creator of the Jim Hinckley’s America website. Sharing the colorful American story and inspiring road trips by telling people where to go is the foundation for Jim’s work. Kingman Tours is just one example of this vision and mission.
The tour starts at Depot Plaza in front of the historic depot that is home to a railroad museum. The depot is located at the corner of Fourth Street and Andy Devine Avenue, the intersection for two alignments of Route 66. There are currently 38 points of interest including a Bob Waldmire Mural at TNT Engineering that is a vibrant tribute to an iconic Route 66 artist.
Did you know that both the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs played exhibition games in Kingman? Did you know that Clark Gable and Carol Lombard married there? Did you know that Buster Keaton, Charles Lindbergh, and Amelia Earhart were guests at the Hotel Beale? The heart of Kingman Tours are stories and surprise discoveries.
Museums and More
Kingman is home to museums that celebrate the region’s colorful story from Native American trade routes to Route 66. Adding these to the walking tour will make for a full day of memory making adventure.
Housed in the historic Powerhouse building, the Arizona Route 66 Museum tells the story of this famous highway in western Arizona. This is also home to the embryonic electric vehicle collection belonging to the Historic Electric Vehicle Foundation.
The Mohave Museum of History and Arts is home to a diverse array of exhibits that chronicle the life and career of character actor Andy Devine, area ranching and mining history, and development of the railroad. There are also exhibits that tell the story of the WWII Kingman Army Airfield.
The Kingman Visitor Center is also in the Powerhouse. This hub offers regional information, gift shops, and even a Route 66 passport program to collect stamps at historic stops. This is a fun customizable souvenir for explorers of all ages.
Whether you’re glimpsing the past through displays of historic photos, studying railroad artifacts, or enjoying interpretive displays about westward migration, these cultural stops round out a rich Kingman experience that complements the walking tour beautifully.
Back to Laughlin — Gourmet Dinner & Nightlife
After your historical immersion, roll back into Laughlin in time to enjoy an awe-inspiring sunset and riverside dinner. And then dive into an evening of world-class entertainment. Laughlin knows how to finish a road trip day with a flourish, be it live music, elegant venues, and the kind of relaxed hospitality that makes you feel right at home.
From a spectacular sunrise over the river to history and heart in Kingman, and then back for a night to remember. Laughlin is the perfect base camp for adventures, big and small, old and new.
Needed added incentive for a Laughlin holiday? Check out the day trip and entertainment guide on the Laughlin Tourism Commission Go Laughlin website.